American Scandal: Houston Astros - Caught Stealing | Uncovering the Scheme | Episode 5

Release Date: November 12, 2024

Introduction and Background

In this episode of American Scandal, host Lindsey Graham delves deep into the infamous Houston Astros sign-stealing scandal, exploring how a beloved baseball team became synonymous with deceit and the profound implications it had on the sport's integrity. Joined by Evan Drelich, a senior writer for The Athletic and author of Winning Fixes Everything: How Baseball's Brightest Minds Created Sports' Biggest Mess, the discussion unpacks the intricate details of the scandal, its exposure, and the aftermath that reshaped Major League Baseball (MLB).

The Rise of the Houston Astros

Evan Drelich provides a comprehensive overview of the Astros’ transformation from a struggling team to World Series champions in 2017. He explains that the Astros had embarked on an ambitious rebuilding project, intentionally tanking to secure top draft picks. By the time new ownership under Jim Crane and executive Jeff Luno took the helm, the team had already accumulated star players like George Springer and Jose Altuve, positioning them for success.

Evan Drelich [04:04]: "When they finally did get good, it was not surprising, that was the plan all along, that they would suffer through these years of bad baseball and that they would accumulate and stockpile these top players and eventually they would get good."

Implementing the Sign-Stealing Scheme

The conversation transitions to the heart of the scandal: the Astros' sign-stealing methods. Drelich explains how the team exploited video technology and subtle cues to decode opposing catchers' signs during games, providing hitters with real-time information.

Evan Drelich [06:13]: "What was violative was using electronics. You were not allowed to use electronics to aid in sign stealing. The cardinal sin of the Astros scheme is using off the field electronics."

Drelich outlines the evolution of the scheme, starting with a basic Excel spreadsheet dubbed "Codebreaker" used for logging pitch signs. This system was later expanded under the influence of former Yankees manager Carlos Beltrán and introduced more sophisticated methods, including using live camera feeds and trash can banging to communicate pitch information to hitters without the need for a player on second base.

Evan Drelich [19:07]: "Instead of having a guy on second base, they placed a monitor near the dugout that interpreted the signs in real-time, and then a banging on the garbage can signaled the type of pitch to the batter."

Investigative Journalism and Reporting

Evan Drelich recounts his journey in uncovering the scandal. Initially covering the Astros for the Houston Chronicle, Drelich faced resistance from the organization when attempting to publish stories hinting at irregularities. After being laid off from NBC Sports Boston, Drelich joined The Athletic, where alongside Ken Rosenthal, he pursued the investigation more aggressively.

Evan Drelich [12:54]: "I joined The Athletic in May of 2019...We needed more sources. And so eventually, Ken Rosenthal and I set out to get more. And I'm glad we eventually got it done, it worked out properly."

The pivotal moment came when former Astros pitcher Mike Fiers went on the record, providing undeniable evidence that solidified the scandal and validated Drelich and Rosenthal’s findings.

Evan Drelich [23:06]: "Mike Fiers was willing to go on the record with us. In the original story, we quoted Mike Fiers explaining that he wanted the game cleaned up, that he was tired of it."

Exposure and Public Reaction

The publication of the expose in November 2019 triggered immediate and widespread outrage within the baseball community and among fans. The Astros’ methods were condemned as a blatant violation of the sport’s integrity, far surpassing previous minor infractions by other teams.

Evan Drelich [25:07]: "I think most people were outraged within hours...people were stunned because there was suspicion amongst other players and other teams about what was going on."

Public sentiment was particularly harsh towards Mike Fiers, who faced backlash for breaking the “locker room code” and bringing the truth to light despite the personal and professional risks involved.

Evan Drelich [24:03]: "Mike Fiers was a whistleblower...it takes a lot of courage to do it. It's a great burden for someone to decide to step out."

Consequences and Punishments

Despite the severity of the scandal, the repercussions for the Astros were relatively lenient. The team received a $5 million fine, the maximum allowable under MLB’s constitution, and lost their first two draft picks. Key executives, including Jeff Luno, Alex Cora, and Carlos Beltrán, were fired across different teams. However, the players involved were granted immunity, a decision that sparked significant controversy and dissatisfaction among fans and other players.

Evan Drelich [32:22]: "Major League Baseball issues the maximum allowable fine...They did not discipline the players. The players were granted immunity in this process."

Drelich criticizes MLB's handling of the situation, suggesting that Commissioner Rob Manfred erred by not imposing stricter penalties on the players to preserve the league’s authority.

Evan Drelich [36:34]: "Rob Manfred believed that if he had tried to punish [the players], the union would have been able to overturn or vacate those punishments. He thought that was going to be a mistake, that he would look weak."

Impact on Baseball Integrity and Future Regulations

The scandal ignited a broader conversation about the integrity of baseball and the role of technology in the sport. Drelich highlights MLB’s subsequent efforts to curb such practices by introducing wrist devices for catchers to communicate pitches and imposing stricter controls on video usage during games.

Evan Drelich [39:32]: "MLB, after the sign-stealing scandal, put in an electronic solution...There are restrictions around video usage during games."

Despite these measures, Drelich remains skeptical about the ability to completely eradicate cheating in baseball, likening it to perpetual challenges faced in other sports and corporate environments.

Evan Drelich [40:43]: "People are always going to cheat in baseball...I don't think there's any doubt people are still cheating in some capacity, in some ways in baseball."

Conclusion

The Houston Astros sign-stealing scandal remains one of the most significant and controversial moments in modern baseball history. Through meticulous investigation and courageous reporting, Evan Drelich and Ken Rosenthal exposed a complex web of deceit that not only tarnished the Astros’ legacy but also prompted MLB to reevaluate and reinforce the rules governing technology and fair play. This episode of American Scandal underscores the delicate balance between competitive advantage and ethical conduct in sports, and the enduring impact such scandals have on both the game and its fans.

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